Language schools for foreign tourists and residents are found in many locations across Japan, especially in Tokyo and other major cities. Language schools offer a variety of courses, differing in length and purpose. Visitors from most Western countries and other countries with a visa-waiver agreement with Japan do not need a student visa in order to attend language courses three months or shorter. For longer studies, a proper visa is required. Japanese language schools are also available in some cities outside of Japan.
A wide variety of courses are offered by Japanese language schools for both short-term visitors and residents of Japan. Besides weekly, monthly and 3-month courses aimed at short-term visitors, many schools offer 6-month, 1-year and 2-year courses aimed at foreign residents of Japan. Courses are offered for several purposes, including general language study, culture classes, preparation for the Japanese language proficiency test, preparation for entering university, business classes and private lessons. Besides full time programs, some school also offer half-day programs or lessons on only three or four days per week.
Tuition fees naturally vary based on the length of the course. The typical tuition is around 150,000 to 200,000 yen for a 3-month full-time program. In addition, most schools charge a registration fee of around 5,000 to 20,000 yen and an insurance fee of 10,000 yen per year in case of long-term programs. If a visa application process is involved, an additional fee of typically around 20,000 yen is charged, in which case the language school will arrange the Certificate of Eligibility for the applying student.
Language Schools
Tokyo
Yoshida Institute of Japanese Language The Yoshida Institute is a certified Japanese language school located a short walk from Waseda Station in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Whether your goal is daily-life conversation, to study at university in Japan, or to pass Japanese language proficiency exams for your career, Yoshidafs courses and classes, ranging from beginner to advance, can equip you with the language skills you need.
Genki Japanese and Culture School Tokyo Centrally located in downtown Shinjuku, this Japanese language school focuses on communicative Japanese for everyday life, and was voted Star World Language School in 2016! Classes are extremely small, with a maximum of 8 students, and extremely flexible, with courses starting every Monday throughout the year. Study on a variety of fun courses, starting from just 1 week!
Kyoto
Genki Japanese and Culture School - Kyoto GenkiJACS Kyoto is the newest member of our family and, following our tradition, it is right in the centre of the city, only minutes away on foot from the beautiful Gion and downtown Kawaramachi districts, and a short ride to Kyoto station.
Online
gokigen japanese: Online Lessons with Native Tutors Learn Japanese anywhere and anytime you want! Our original teaching materials and English-proficient tutors make learning the Japanese language and about Japanese culture efficient and fun.
